She said other research suggested the number of ­assaults was static, so the rise in reports could be a sign that victims were reaching out for help rather than suffering in silence.

People’s lives could be sev­erely hampered by the trauma of sexual abuse, a large proportion of women in the mental health system suffering the effects of undisclosed sexual abuse from childhood, Ms Little said.

“There are more people now who are aware of what sexual abuse is, what the consequences are and they are more willing to get into services that will help them.”

Tasmania Police Deputy Commissioner Scott Tilyard said last year’s jump in reported assaults followed an 18.2 per cent decrease the previous year.

“Even with the large increase, Tasmania’s victimisation rate for sexual assaults remains the lowest in the country,” he said.

Other 2013 crime data for Tasmania showed motor veh­icle theft dropped 15 per cent – from 1335 in 2012 to a four-year low of 1132 in 2013.

Half of the stolen motor vehicles (589) were taken from a residence, and 32 per cent (359) were taken from a street/footpath.

The ABS data also shows robberies fell by 14 per cent in Tasmania and homicides by 23 per cent.